According to CNN, “The decline in poaching in Tanzania has also been aided by recent strides by the Chinese government. In 2018, China, which has long been one of the world’s biggest ivory markets, banned all trade in ivory and ivory products in the country.”

Lupita Draws Attention to Plight of Elephants

In an attempt to draw more attention to the impact of global Ivory trade on Elephants, Lupita Nyong’o joined Wild Aid as a global ambassador in 2017 when she spoked extensively on her cause.

She also spent a significant amount of time on the initiative in collaboration with the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Nairobi, a haven for elephants whose mothers have been killed by poachers.

Tanzania steps up for it’s Elephants

“Tanzania, which some have called the ground zero of elephant poaching in the last decade, has been heavily criticized by conservation groups for its inability to stop the mass killing of its elephants.”

“The East African nation lost 60 percent of its elephant population from 2009 to 2014, according to data released by the Tanzanian government.”

Political-will helps usher in changes in Tanzania

“An attack on Tanzania’s wildlife is seen as an attack on Tanzania,” said Clark. “None of this would have been possible were it not for the political will of the President, John Magufuli, and his drive to stop wildlife crime and corruption.”